Some of the things that cats hate are obvious (would you dare give them a bath?), but when it comes to smells, cats can find some smells that we don’t even notice to be overpowering. Understanding what smells cats hate can help you avoid them, create a more pleasant environment for them, or, if it’s cat-safe, these “offensive” smells can be a way to keep your cat from entering unwanted areas. So, what smells do cats hate the most? Here are the 13 smells that cats hate the most.
13 Scents That Cats Absolutely Dislike
1. Citrus Scents: We may love the fresh scents of lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges, but those sweet spring scents are the ones that cats hate the most. The oily scents of these citrus fruits can be too strong for a cat’s sensitive olfactory system and can cause irritation.
2. The Smell of Spicy Foods: Cats may not naturally hate the smell of spicy food, but chili powder, cayenne pepper, and other spicy ingredients contain capsaicin, a chemical that produces a burning sensation not just for humans but also for cats. A small sniff of it can make your cat jump and associate the smell with danger.
3. Essential Oils . Cats and essential oils should never be near each other. Dr. Gabriel Denton, a veterinarian and pet trainer, says that essential oils are toxic to cats, whether they come into contact with the oils through skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation. Some of the most dangerous essential oils for cats include peppermint, tea tree, สมัคร ufabet กับเรา รับโบนัสทันที, and clove. Eucalyptus and cats are also a bad match.
Signs that your cat is poisoned by essential oils include:
- Drooling: Your cat may drool more than usual.
- Vomiting: Vomiting may occur.
- Shivering: Body trembling
- Staggering: walking unsteadily, with difficulty
- Depressed: Lack of energy, lethargic
- Difficulty breathing: Rapid breathing or abnormal breathing sounds.
4. Household Cleaning Products What does your cat need most? You want cleaning products that are safe for pets and that don’t have harsh odors that will disturb your home. Strong-smelling products like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, or other strong – smelling chemicals can irritate your cat’s respiratory system, making them feel uncomfortable. These chemicals can also be toxic to your cat if they lick them while grooming their fur or paws.
5. The scent of other pets. If your cat is highly territorial or doesn’t get along with other cats, they may react aggressively when they smell another cat on you. They may think another cat is encroaching on their territory and want to protect their property.” This isn’t limited to cats, but it can also happen with the scent of other animals, such as dogs, or even wild predators like coyotes. If your cat goes outside,
6. Perfumes and colognes Your cat will find you smell best when you have no body odor whatsoever. Like other strong odors, perfumes and colognes are some of the most hated scents for cats. These scents are too strong for cats to handle and can cause them discomfort or respiratory irritation.
7. Citronella : Citronella is a popular mosquito repellent, but it can also scare away your beloved cat. This is because the essential oils in citronella have a strong smell that can be too strong for your cat’s sensitive sense of smell, similar to the smell of citrus fruits.
8. Detergent and fabric softener. Cats will choose to sleep on old, old bedding over freshly washed bedding, even if detergent is unscented. Removing or masking too much of a cat’s natural scent and pheromones can make them feel unsafe.
9. Dirty litter box . You don’t want to live near a dirty bathroom, do you? Cats are no different. Not only does the smell disturb the cleanliness that cats love, but they also have the instinct to eliminate the waste from their homes and bury it in the litter box, so they don’t want to attract predators. A dirty litter box full of waste can make your cat feel uncomfortable and can lead to other problems, such as eliminating outside the litter box. Scoop the litter box at least once a day and give it a deep cleaning with soap and water every few weeks.
10. Menthol Smell Why do we hate the smell of menthol-based balms, cough syrups, and lip balms? “We can smell catnip, but not in the same way that cats smell it,” Dr. Bell explains. It’s a chemical reaction. It’s not just the smell that excites cats, though. Menthol, although derived from mint, is synthetic. Since menthol lacks the natural chemical found in catnip, this synthetic smell is a turn-off to cats.
11. Cigarette smoke. Whether it’s regular cigarette smoke, e-cigarette smoke, marijuana smoke, or even smoke from grilling and campfires, pets, especially cats, can’t live with smoke at all. Secondhand smoke can cause serious respiratory problems and stick to your cat’s fur.
12. Bananas: Placing bananas on your counter may help repel your cat! While the flesh of bananas is not toxic to cats in moderate amounts, banana peels release ethyl acetate, a compound that is responsible for the pungent smell that cats generally dislike.
13. Smells Associated with Stress: Just like humans, cats can learn to associate smells with stress. Dr. Bell says that taking your cat to the vet, which includes car trips and checkups, can be stressful for a cat. This can lead to a cat associating the smell of a suitcase, car, or clinic with stress, leading to defensive behavior.
To avoid this problem, the cat’s suitcase should be thoroughly washed with a pet-safe cleaner after a visit to the vet and stored in a clean, dry place. Additionally, the suitcase should be placed indoors to allow the cat to become accustomed to it and allow the cat to release pheromones that help it feel relaxed inside the bag.